As the U.S. Open progresses, top tennis players like Aryna Sabalenka are revealing the importance of taking breaks during the season to recharge. Sabalenka, the reigning U.S. Open champion, skipped the Montreal event in late July to unwind on the Greek island of Mykonos. ‘The season had been really intense, and I felt low on energy,’ Sabalenka explained. ‘I needed a little break to come back stronger.’ Her decision highlights a growing trend among tennis professionals who face a relentless calendar. Alex de Minaur, seeded No. 8 at the U.S. Open, echoed this sentiment, stating that without such breaks, the grind of the season feels never-ending. De Minaur and his fiancée, Katie Boulter, often take short vacations after Wimbledon to reset mentally for the latter half of the year. However, not all players can afford or desire such breaks. Some, like Adrian Mannarino, prefer to maintain their rhythm by competing continuously. Mannarino, who recently became the oldest man to break into the ATP top 20, believes in focusing on work now and saving vacations for retirement. The concept of in-season vacations is unique to tennis, as team sports like the NFL or NBA offer ample off-seasons for rest. Boulter, who struggled after skipping breaks, emphasized the importance of prioritizing personal well-being. Meanwhile, Ajla Tomljanovic, who lost to Coco Gauff in the first round, advocates for players to make their own choices about when to take breaks. ‘If I need a vacation, I take it,’ she said. As the tennis season continues, the debate over balancing competition and rest remains a hot topic among players.
Need a vacation? Imagine how US Open tennis players feel during their long season
